Pre-Season Training Commences

The Munster squad returned to CIT for their first pre-season training session today.

The morning included a weights programme in the gym with the afternoon comprising of conditioning drills and skills training.

Those who were involved in the Ireland and Emerging Ireland tours were not in attendance and will return to training the week of July 15th.

As is normal with the early weeks of pre-season training a number of Munster Rugby academy players were also in attendance including Shane Buckley, Brian Haugh, Johnny Holland, Niall Horan, Harry McNulty, Darren Moroney and Darren O'Shea.

On the injury front Stephen Archer (wrist), Keith Earls (shoulder) and Luke O'Dea (wrist) are all on track with their recovery. Archer had his pins removed at the end of May and is expected to be back in full training at the end of July. O'Dea got his pins removed yesterday and commenced his fitness training today with Keith Earls.

Felix Jones, who played for Ireland in the summer tour to North America, underwent surgery on his shoulder yesterday and will not be available for the start of the season.

Following Saturday's Guinness PRO12 win over Connacht at Thomond Park, Munster players gathered in their respective centres in Limerick and Cork today ahead of the first squad session of the week tomorrow.

Still unbeaten at the newly redeveloped Irish Independent Park, Munster will look continue winning ways when they play their final two home games of the regular league season in Cork - starting with Benetton Treviso on Saturday April 25th, KO 3:05pm.